Physical Description

An eight-sided star, constructed of silver, gold, and enamel, with gold crossed swords through the centre. The silver star features a superimposed silver Maltese cross with broad edges and a pearled decorative inner line. The arms are pebbled. The centre of the medallion is enamelled in blue and features a left-facing crowned Hessian lion in gold. The medallion’s border is golden and smooth with a rope-like decorative line in the centre. The reverse is smooth and silver, with a vertical pinback and four ball rivets.

History

The Wilhelm Order was instituted by Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I and was conferred in recognition of civil and military merit. Awards conferred for military merit featured crossed swords.

The order assimilated the three lower grades of the House Order of the Golden Lion and also included a Grand Cross and an Inhaberkreuz.

The House Order of the Golden Lion and the Wilhelm Order feature a very similar obverse and reverse design. The main difference between them is that the lion featured on the obverse of the House Order of the Golden Lion has the back paw held higher than the front paw, while the lion featured on the obverse of the Wilhelm Order has both paws held at the same height.

The Grand Cross was conferred upon individuals with the rank of at least Lieutenant General.